9 Reasons You Will Love Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a deluxe Walt Disney World resort with an African theme.  The resort is set on 33 acres of land and offers viewing locations of savanna animals, great dining experiences and so much more.  The resort is located near Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and offers a very unique resort experience unlike any of the other Disney properties. Here are nine reasons you will love Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

9 – Zahanati Fitness Center

If you are looking to work out while you are vacationing, look no further than the Zahanati Fitness Center open each day from 6 am to 9 pm. There is no additional charge for resort guests and guests ages 14-17 must be accompanied by an adult.

8 – Cultural Representatives

Disney has hired several Cultural Representatives to work at the resort. These Cast Members come to the resort for one year to teach guests about their native home and its culture, customs, and history. Take the time to speak with some of them to find out their stories and learn about their homelands.

7 – Authentic African Art

The Animal Kingdom Lodge is filled with authentic African art. Plan some time to explore the lobby, hallways, and elevators to view all the beautiful artwork.

6 – Cultural, Animal, and Culinary Programs

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers many cultural, animal, and culinary programs for its guests. Be sure to check the resort recreational schedule to see when they are being offered. Cultural programs take place at various locations around the resort and can include African face painting, Music of the Savanna, and Medallion Rubbing. A Cultural Safari is hosted by the Cultural Representatives who will speak about their native homes and answer questions. Culinary programs include a wine tasting at Jiko, the resort’s signature dining location.  Many of these activities are geared for both children and adults.

5 – African Folktales at the Fire Pit

Each night one of the resort’s Cultural Representatives will tell African folktales around the campfire. This is an excellent opportunity to relax and learn some of the traditions and history of various countries of Africa.

4 – Amazing Pool

The Uzima Springs pool is one of the largest pools on Disney property (and a member of our Top 5 Best). It features a zero-depth entry, meaning there is an entrance without steps and a 67-foot long slide. A spa and kiddy pool area is also available. The pool is a great place to relax and animal viewing locations are located nearby.

3 – Dining at Boma for Breakfast or Dinner

Boma, Flavors of Africa is a buffet-style restaurant open daily for breakfast and dinner.  The location is themed to an African marketplace and features an onstage kitchen with wood-burning grills and rotisserie.  Advanced dining reservations are strongly recommended.  Breakfast includes traditional favorites such as fruit, omelets, pancakes, pastries, and cereals. African-inspired dishes such as turkey bobotie, pap, and African pastries are available as well. Don’t forget to ask for “Jungle Juice,” a mix of guava juice.  Dinner offers over 60 different items in a combination of African-inspired dishes and American cuisine. Guests may find rotisserie chicken, strip loin, salmon, assorted soups, and salads. A children’s section includes macaroni and cheese, meatballs, chicken, and mashed potatoes. Desserts include the popular zebra domes, bread pudding, cookies, cheesecake, and brownies.

2 – Signature Dining at Jiko

Jiko-The Cooking Place is one of Disney’s signature dining locations and is open for dinner only. Jiko focuses on lighter African cuisine and features the location’s two wood-burning ovens as a focal point. Jiko is home to a wide variety of South African Wines, so many in fact, they have the largest collection of South African wines outside of South Africa.

1 – Animal Viewing Locations

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is home to over 200 savanna animals, including giraffes, zebras, flamingos, and many more. Many rooms offer views of these animals from your own balcony, an experience that isn’t replicated anywhere other than the real African savanna. Guests without a savanna view room can still view animals from public viewing areas throughout the resort. For a special nighttime experience, ask a Cast Member near the Arusha Overlook for a pair of night-vision goggles.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is very different from the other deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World. It has many great opportunities to learn about African animals and the culture and customs of the people of Africa. Combined with great dining locations and recreational activities, you are sure to love the Animal Kingdom Lodge.